Can of worms much?

I used to think so yes, but now if people want to play, it isn't costing CS anything extra, then why not just send them? Getting experience of a proper event with preparation will make them better players down the line. As long as nobody comes back demoralised, which I don't think has happened here, it has to be a good thing.
Why don't you ask Clement or (the) Andrew(s) if they were overstaffed.
What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.
Andy McCulloch Wrote:What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.
I was actually there for 2 and a half days Andy, but I wasn't officially part of the squad, just helping out a (very) little here and there while meeting with Chessbase/discussing some senior event things with the organiser.
Andrew Green and Clement (and the parents where appropriate) bore the entire prep/analysis 'burden' - I think it would be useful to have them comment at some point on what the best approach might be for future events of this type.
I would be very surprised if mixing with the junior 'elite' doesn't spur at least the majority of our young players on to new heights.
I seem to recall official and unofficial England squads at some point in the past - the federation supplying coaches for official, private coaching the responsibility of the others. Not sure how well it worked though - seems as though it could generate a little 'them and us' situation.
Andy McCulloch Wrote:What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.
I think that is Alan's point - the more players there are , the thinner the coaching resources are spread.
Alan Jelfs Wrote:I think that is Alan's point - the more players there are , the thinner the coaching resources are spread.
This was indeed my point. But it is far from the only reason to reduce numbers sent to these elite events.